Ida Bell Wells, more commonly known as Ida B. Wells, was born in Holly Springs, Mississippi, on July 16, 1862. Ida was raised by her mother Lizzie. Wells and his father James Wells. She was born into slavery and is the eldest of eight children in the family. Both of Ida's parents were enslaved during the Civil War, but after the war they became active in the Republican Party during the Reconstruction period. Ida's father, James, was also involved in the Freedman's Aid Society (www.biography.com). He also helped establish Shaw University. Shaw University was a college for newly freed slaves, and is also where Ida received the majority of her education. However, Ida had little schooling as she was forced to care for her other siblings after her parents and one of her siblings died from yellow fever. Ida became a teacher at the age of 16 to earn money for herself and her siblings. Eventually, Ida and all of her sisters moved to Memphis, Tennessee, to live with their aunt, leaving all of their brothers behind to continue working. In Memphis, Ida began advocating for the rights of African Americans and women. He was bought a first-class bus ticket, but was then asked to go to the African-American section of the train. Ida refused to move and continued to fight with the crew until she was out of the train and only had one man at her side. Ida sued the railroad and won a $500 settlement in a circuit court case (Biography.com). The Tennessee Supreme Court later overturned the verdict. This chain of events led Ida to write about her experience. She has written numerous articles about African Americans and their daily struggles. In 1889, Ida became part owner of the Memphis Free Spe...... middle of paper ...... me to learn more about Ida from a different person's perspective. The facts were all correct, but it was from a different person's perspective. Throughout her career, Ida accomplished more than anyone thought possible for an African American woman at that time. However, it has not been an easy process. Ida faced many hardships throughout her career, including racial discrimination, gender discrimination, and hatred of the people she fought against. Ida faced all her problems head on, which is one of the main reasons for her success. She continued to persevere even when everyone seemed to be against her. She never took no for an answer and always worked hard until she achieved her goals. Everyone knew and still knows Ida as a hard worker, determined to fight for her rights and those of those around her. Ida died in Chicago on March 25, 1931, but her legacy lives on..